Health care in Madagascar faces significant challenges due to a high poverty rate of more than 75%. The primary concerns are infectious diseases, malnutrition and the environment. Madagascar is currently in a malaria epidemic, particularly in rural coastal areas that experience flooding, which leads to an increase in the mosquito population.
Furthermore, approximately 1.31 million people in Madagascar face high levels of food insecurity and 40% of children face chronic malnutrition. This is often because of natural disasters such as droughts, hurricanes and floods, which negatively impact agriculture growth, increase food prices and loss of jobs, as 80% of the population’s primary source of income is agriculture. Despite these challenges, here are five organizations that are helping advance health care in Madagascar.
The Improved Nutritional Outcomes Project
This organization, established by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), provides free health care to mothers and children in Ambositra, a rural area of Madagascar where the nearest health center is often two kilometers away or farther. It has hired 11,000 community health workers to provide care at community sites.
A community worker is a volunteer who promotes health in a village and monitors the health of pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding mothers. They also track the health of children aged less than 5 by weighing, measuring and diagnosing malnutrition. Community workers also treat children diagnosed with malnutrition and mild diseases; however, in severe and more complicated cases, they transfer children to the nearest health center. The volunteers also promote nutrition education in the communities.
WHO Mobile Health Clinics
The World Health Organization (WHO) uses mobile clinics and epidemiologists to help provide free health care to remote areas. The mobile health clinics provide health services such as vaccinations, medications (for diarrheal diseases, malaria, cholera and more) and health kits. After the devastation of the 2022 hurricane season in Madagascar, the global charity built a storage warehouse for medication to help prevent a repeat of the disaster. It is helping strengthen the country’s preparedness in case of emergencies while simultaneously improving the primary health care structure of Madagascar.
PIVOT
PIVOT is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that has partnered with Madagascar’s Ministry of Public Health to help improve the health care system in the Ifanadiana district. This charity aims to eventually scale up and provide universal health care to Madagascar and other countries. It works by collecting and analyzing data, identifying gaps in health care and implementing a science-based solution. It employs social workers, doctors, nurses, midwives and other health staff.
PIVOT started in the Ifanadiana district, home to more than 200,000 people and incredibly isolated by mountainous terrain. The nonprofit chose this location because of the more than doubled maternal and less than 5 mortality rates compared with the national estimate. The organization uses a data-driven strategy to create a resilient health care system that can address the community’s immediate needs while also building its long-term goal of gaining trust within a community that once viewed hospitals as where people went to die.
Since its start in 2014, it has brought universal health coverage to 95,000 people in seven communities. It continues to advocate for free universal health care, decent wages for health workers and science-focused solutions in Madagascar.
ACF or Action Against Hunger
This organization was started in 1979 as an international nongovernmental organization used to fight hunger. Currently, it is in Madagascar in response to the severe droughts and cyclones in the Southeast regions and the worsening nutritional and food situation in the Grand Sud. With the help of its partners, Action Contre la Faim (ACF) is implementing an emergency intervention and development strategy. This will include medical and malnutrition support, such as creating mobile health teams to address acute malnutrition, childhood illnesses, gender-based violence and psychosocial support.
The nonprofit will also rebuild the water supply and provide drinking water with tanker trucks. Next, it will provide 80,000 people with emergency food aid through cash transfers. Finally, agricultural recovery will be supported for next season’s harvest and a crisis exit strategy will be implemented to help anticipate crises like hurricanes and floods. At the same time, ACF is also doing multiple developmental programs to help support the health system, reducing chronic malnutrition in children aged less than 5 and enhancing food security in Madagascar. An example is the CONFLUENCES 2 Project, which supports the health system in the Atsimo-Andrefana region of Grand Sud.
CARE International
CARE International first arrived in Madagascar in 1992 to reduce poverty. One of its key programs focuses on the right to health. This program aims to enable 50 million people to exercise their right to health and dignity by 2030. It emphasizes building equitable and resilient health care systems that can resist and respond to shocks and crises.
CARE International takes an equity and rights-based approach to advancing health systems by collaborating with community groups, leaders and health authorities. It emphasizes supporting marginalized groups, increasing access to quality health care in Madagascar and being prepared to respond to public health emergencies.
CARE International also promotes vaccinations with its Fast and Fair Vaccine campaign. It has successfully vaccinated 126 million people while informing 263 million people about accurate vaccination information.
Conclusion
Madagascar’s health care system still faces significant challenges in achieving affordable and effective medical services, yet the efforts of these five organizations could one day enable health care in Madagascar to provide accessible and high-quality medical care to all its citizens.
– Gabrielle Schwartz
Gabrielle is based in Pembroke Pines, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Hotel Con Corazón Has Heart for Latin America
Hotel Con Corazón’s Heartfelt Journey to Nicaragua
Oostveen and Zuidhof traveled to Nicaragua during a holiday in 2006. While there, they noted the lively potential for tourism and the lack of funding for education. By 2008, the pair had moved to Nicaragua and decided to support the local community by opening Hotel con Corazón. The pair now employs a fantastic team that supports the hotel and even employs teachers for schools.
Empowering Youths in Nicaragua, One Stay at a Time
Hotel con Corazón mission is to provide accessible education for children in need within Latin America. The World Bank has reported that 70% of 10-year-olds in Nicaragua cannot read or understand basic texts. The lack of education for children may result in a lack of earnings in the future. More than 60% of children in Nicaragua are living in educational poverty. Hotel con Corazón aims to give back the chance of a bright future for the youths of Nicaragua. It hopes that youths can stop the cycle of poverty for themselves and their families by doing this.
Since its first hotel opened to the public in Granada, Nicaragua, the hotel company has assisted 250 children annually through primary and higher levels of education. In 2024, the hotel group will have supported an estimated 4,000 children in completing their education. Hotel con Corazón invests 100% of its profits into local education. The hotel is aesthetically designed and boasts a swimming pool and a bar where guests can buy drinks and food. It also has two patios where visitors can relax and enjoy breakfast or lunch. Additionally, it provides free Wi-Fi and entertainment for guests.
Guest profits provide the hotel with funding to support extracurricular activities for youth and parental workshops. In addition to helping youth through education, Hotel con Corazón offers development and income opportunities to several Nicaraguans each year. It further supports the local economy by buying produce from the community and running a commercial business. The hotel group can support 22 employees in its Nicaraguan hotel, where it also offers development programs so that employees have access to further education for themselves or their children. The hotel has made several positive impacts on Nicaragua, supporting the country through poverty in as many ways as it can.
Outreach to Oaxaca
In 2018, the hotel group decided to expand its social impact. Therefore, it opened the first Hotel con Corazón in one of the poorest cities in Mexico. According to the World Bank, 26% of Mexican children are not enrolled in pre-primary education and only 57% of 10-year-olds can read. Oaxaca is rated the second lowest city in Mexico for its education levels. Hotel con Corazón’s Oaxaca branch continues a similar vision as it does in Nicaragua.
The company invests all profits from guest stays and purchases made in bars and its hotel shop into education at all levels in Oaxaca. The hotel supports the Oaxaca Learning Center, which runs a motivational program for 60-70 youths and funds educational costs for those who most need it. Hotel con Corazón is also partnered with Mundo de Talentos, a nonprofit organization that provides children with free occupational guidance. Mundo de Talentos originated in Chiapas, Mexico. In 2023, Hotel con Corazón funded the nonprofit to expand its reach to Oaxaca. This funding enabled the nonprofit to begin its annual program in Oaxaca with 40 students enrolled.
Additionally, Hotel con Corazón has created a learning space within Oaxaca, where young people can learn trading skills that they can use in hospitality work. It offers apprenticeships to unemployed youths who are also not in education and aims to help them find work they can enjoy. For the youths already in education, Hotel con Corazón offers apprenticeships where young people have the potential to train in its Oaxacan hotel.
The Final Resort
Hotel con Corazón has made impressive impacts in changing the lives of youths through education and supporting the countries it operates in through poverty. The hotel group’s latest mission is spreading love in Latin America. It plans to open 10 more hotels in the next 10 years. The aim is to regenerate its educational and motivational schemes for the poorest parts of Latin America that need the most help. It has already begun building three branches in Costa Rica and Mexico. By 2025, its newest branch will open for guests in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
– Raquel Smith
Photo: Hotel Con Corazón
One Home at a Time: Building Generational Wealth in Colombia
Background and Expansion of Mi Casa Ya
Mi Casa Ya is a government assistance program that serves to aid low-income families with the purchase of their first property by granting housing subsidies. Originally, Mi Casa Ya only served in three cities: Barranquilla, Bogota and Cali. However, under the Petro administration, the MVCT announced that starting in 2024, the program would expand nationwide and prioritize the country’s most vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless.
Eligibility and Benefits of the Program
To qualify for Mi Casa Ya, the applicant must meet the following criteria. First, the applicant must not own a home in Colombia. Second, they must not have previously received any sort of housing subsidiary. Third, the applicant must have been approved for a mortgage credit. Finally, they must be registered in the Sisbén IV, the System of Identification of Potential Beneficiaries of Social Programs, which classifies Colombian citizens based on their socioeconomic status.
Sisbén IV separates individuals into four groups: A (extreme poverty), B (moderate poverty), C (vulnerable population) and D (nonpoor, nonvulnerable). An applicant’s ranking in the Sisbén IV determines how much monetary assistance they will receive with the most economically vulnerable granted the highest amount of financial aid.
Once deemed eligible for the Mi Casa Ya grant, the applicant receives a downpayment subsidy that varies anywhere between 26 million COP and 39 million COP, roughly $6,000 to $10,000. To reduce monthly payments, during the first seven years, Mi Casa Ya grantees will also obtain interest rate coverage of their mortgage credit.
Impact and Importance of Housing Wealth
Since its inception in 2015, the MVCT has allocated 50,000 Mi Casa Ya subsidies annually. This initiative aims to provide the impoverished with the opportunity to own homes and build generational wealth in Colombia. About 90% of the recipients fall under the Sisbén IV categories of extreme poverty, moderate poverty and vulnerable populations.
According to a 2004 study by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Policy Development and Research, low-income families significantly increase their wealth accumulation after purchasing a home. For the impoverished, “housing wealth is total wealth,” meaning it constitutes their entire net worth. Thus, by expanding homeownership opportunities, governments not only tackle poverty and homelessness but also boost generational wealth for their most vulnerable citizens.
Looking Ahead
The expansion of Colombia’s Mi Casa Ya program marks a promising step toward addressing long-standing housing disparities. By focusing on the country’s most vulnerable populations, this initiative is set to empower countless families through homeownership, fostering stability and economic advancement. As the program rolls out nationwide, there are hopeful expectations for the housing crisis resolution and the creation of more generational wealth in Colombia.
– Naima Rasheed
Photo: Flickr
Elderly Poverty in Grenada
Elderly poverty in Grenada can be attributed to the difficulty elderly individuals often face in finding employment due to ageism within the workforce, health concerns and varying levels of ability that may prevent them from working. In addition to the risks of unemployment and health concerns, many elderly people in the Caribbean can not afford adequate retirement plans and must rely on support services as income.
However, Grenada’s growing population of older people impacts support services like pensions by limiting its ability to provide aid due to the large number of individuals who must rely on them. Because Grenada is a developing country, social protection systems can only offer minimal assistance to older people, which is not enough to maintain a good standard of living. The amount of financial support that Grenada’s National Insurance Scheme (NIS) can provide is currently struggling to keep up with the number of older adults who qualify for aid.
Limited Access to Health Care
In addition to limited support from pensions and retirement benefits, the elderly in Grenada have limited access to affordable health care services. Because of the lack of access to health care and healthy lifestyle options, some of the leading causes of death among the elderly in the Caribbean are ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and diabetes. While primary health care is available to individuals in Grenada, access to specialized care for specific health concerns is disproportionately accessible to those with higher incomes. Medications are subsidized for individuals more than 60 years old in Grenada to address this issue. However, when specific medications are unavailable in the public health system, individuals must pay out of pocket for them in the private sector and those who can not afford them usually go without.
Potential Solutions
With that being said, the NIS proposed solutions to address elderly poverty in Grenada and the challenges they have faced in continuing to provide financial support to elderly citizens. These solutions include gradually increasing the pension age to 65 by 2029 and increasing the contribution rate from 500 to 750 by 2028. While these reforms being made to the pension scheme seem exclusive, the NIS still plans to take care of the Grenadian elderly who do not qualify by offering a government grant. By making these changes, the NIS could continue to support the elderly in Grenada rather than ultimately diminish due to the economic issues associated with a rapidly growing population.
Furthermore, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean suggests addressing health care financing, increasing accessibility to specialized health services and limiting out-of-pocket spending would increase accessibility to health care in Grenada. Expanding social health insurance to all workers could also limit out-of-pocket expenses and reduce government expenditures on social welfare by allowing workers’ contributions to fund their own health insurance. Additionally, it would be highly beneficial for non-governmental organizations to advocate for health protection for all citizens of Grenada, especially the elderly.
One nongovernmental organization working to reduce elderly poverty in Grenada is the Grenada Association of Retired Persons (GARP), established in 2010 to offer learning opportunities, social activities and support to elderly individuals in Grenada. In recent years, with the help of other organizations, it has provided food and financial assistance to the elderly.
Final Remark
Since Grenada is a developing country, elderly poverty is caused by various risk factors associated with aging and the government’s limited ability to provide social support services. Individuals aged more than 60 in the nation are among the most vulnerable to poverty, as they must navigate issues associated with aging, such as unemployment, disability, ill health and isolation.
– Elaina Irving
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Poverty and Mental Health in Djibouti
Understanding the Link
Poverty in Djibouti is pervasive and much of the population lives below the threshold level of subsistence. The economy remains unstable, with scarce educational facilities and high unemployment rates. In such conditions, individuals and families have to endure many stressors emanating from lack of access to basic needs, housing insecurity and food insecurity. Stressors of this nature affect not only physical but also mental health.
According to the World Bank, “Using the lower middle-income poverty line, it is found that about two-fifths of the population lives below $3.20 a day. As the pace of economic growth declines due to the spread of COVID-19, the pace of poverty reduction is under threat.” Mental health problems are among the most common in Djibouti. Yet, they are barely noticed: depression, anxiety and trauma-related disorders. Among other causes, it is underreported and underdiagnosed because of the stigma, cultural beliefs and the lack of mental health professionals.
In addition, the deficit of reachable and affordable services for mental health increases the burden on individuals who already bear the burden of poverty. Organizations like the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have led by example. According to the organization, in Africa alone, “nearly 37 million adolescents (aged 10–19) live with a mental disorder.” In Djibouti, UNICEF has found that 10.8% of boys and girls aged 10 to 19 are victims of mental disorders.
Multifaceted Approaches
Therefore, approaches that consider the complex interplay between mental health and poverty are essential. Poverty reduction strategies, in particular, reduce stressors that contribute to poor mental health outcomes. Similarly, improved access to education provides the tools for breaking out of the poverty cycle and enhances resilience against mental health problems. Furthermore, opening job opportunities, particularly for the most disadvantaged, improves economic prospects, builds self-esteem and increases the social integration necessary for better mental health.
In addition, social safety nets, which include cash transfer programs and food assistance schemes, make essential support for vulnerable households less burdensome on the pocket and ensure stability. These poverty reduction interventions could actually prevent risk factors that lead to poor mental health. At the same time, cultural sensitivity in mental health services will be supported by investment in the infrastructure for mental health. This will include training and deploying more mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors, to build a strong workforce in the field of mental health.
De-stigmatizing mental illness will also help develop local support systems, including peer support groups and community health centers, helping mental health services reach unserved, far-flung areas. Therefore, the process has to consider reducing the stigma associated with mental illness. This is basically to ensure that people seek help without much stress or feeling embarrassed. Targeted awareness campaigns to dispel misconceptions and increase mental health literacy can reduce stigma and empower people to seek help openly in their communities. It is equally crucial for partnerships between the government, nonprofit sectors and international partners to share resources and expertise and coordinate efforts.
Combating Stigma and Fostering Collaboration
Reducing stigma around mental illness is the foremost strategy for enhancing help-seeking behavior and early intervention. In this regard, awareness campaigns like UNICEF’s #OnMyMind campaign can challenge misconceptions while improving mental health literacy. This can help lower stigma and increase open dialogue at the community level. Moreover, fostering the collaboration of government agencies, nonprofit organizations and international partnerships is vital to pool resources and expertise and harmonize efforts.
Given the strengths of government institutions, civil society organizations and humanitarian agencies, holistic and sustainable solutions can be devised. This collaboration could, therefore, ensure the elaboration of comprehensive policies on mental health, mobilization of resources for mental health programs and setting up mechanisms for monitoring purposes to ensure accountability.
Conclusion
The intricate relationship between mental health and poverty in Djibouti necessitates integrated and coordinated responses that address the social, economic and health aspects of the issue. Combining efforts to reduce socioeconomic stressors with initiatives to increase mental health services and reduce stigma will facilitate a pathway toward holistic and sustainable solutions for Djibouti. Ultimately, by placing human well-being at the top of the agenda, Djibouti can build resilient communities that succeed both economically and in mental health.
– Honorine Lanka Perera
Photo: Flickr
5 Organizations Advancing Health Care in Madagascar
Furthermore, approximately 1.31 million people in Madagascar face high levels of food insecurity and 40% of children face chronic malnutrition. This is often because of natural disasters such as droughts, hurricanes and floods, which negatively impact agriculture growth, increase food prices and loss of jobs, as 80% of the population’s primary source of income is agriculture. Despite these challenges, here are five organizations that are helping advance health care in Madagascar.
The Improved Nutritional Outcomes Project
This organization, established by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), provides free health care to mothers and children in Ambositra, a rural area of Madagascar where the nearest health center is often two kilometers away or farther. It has hired 11,000 community health workers to provide care at community sites.
A community worker is a volunteer who promotes health in a village and monitors the health of pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding mothers. They also track the health of children aged less than 5 by weighing, measuring and diagnosing malnutrition. Community workers also treat children diagnosed with malnutrition and mild diseases; however, in severe and more complicated cases, they transfer children to the nearest health center. The volunteers also promote nutrition education in the communities.
WHO Mobile Health Clinics
The World Health Organization (WHO) uses mobile clinics and epidemiologists to help provide free health care to remote areas. The mobile health clinics provide health services such as vaccinations, medications (for diarrheal diseases, malaria, cholera and more) and health kits. After the devastation of the 2022 hurricane season in Madagascar, the global charity built a storage warehouse for medication to help prevent a repeat of the disaster. It is helping strengthen the country’s preparedness in case of emergencies while simultaneously improving the primary health care structure of Madagascar.
PIVOT
PIVOT is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that has partnered with Madagascar’s Ministry of Public Health to help improve the health care system in the Ifanadiana district. This charity aims to eventually scale up and provide universal health care to Madagascar and other countries. It works by collecting and analyzing data, identifying gaps in health care and implementing a science-based solution. It employs social workers, doctors, nurses, midwives and other health staff.
PIVOT started in the Ifanadiana district, home to more than 200,000 people and incredibly isolated by mountainous terrain. The nonprofit chose this location because of the more than doubled maternal and less than 5 mortality rates compared with the national estimate. The organization uses a data-driven strategy to create a resilient health care system that can address the community’s immediate needs while also building its long-term goal of gaining trust within a community that once viewed hospitals as where people went to die.
Since its start in 2014, it has brought universal health coverage to 95,000 people in seven communities. It continues to advocate for free universal health care, decent wages for health workers and science-focused solutions in Madagascar.
ACF or Action Against Hunger
This organization was started in 1979 as an international nongovernmental organization used to fight hunger. Currently, it is in Madagascar in response to the severe droughts and cyclones in the Southeast regions and the worsening nutritional and food situation in the Grand Sud. With the help of its partners, Action Contre la Faim (ACF) is implementing an emergency intervention and development strategy. This will include medical and malnutrition support, such as creating mobile health teams to address acute malnutrition, childhood illnesses, gender-based violence and psychosocial support.
The nonprofit will also rebuild the water supply and provide drinking water with tanker trucks. Next, it will provide 80,000 people with emergency food aid through cash transfers. Finally, agricultural recovery will be supported for next season’s harvest and a crisis exit strategy will be implemented to help anticipate crises like hurricanes and floods. At the same time, ACF is also doing multiple developmental programs to help support the health system, reducing chronic malnutrition in children aged less than 5 and enhancing food security in Madagascar. An example is the CONFLUENCES 2 Project, which supports the health system in the Atsimo-Andrefana region of Grand Sud.
CARE International
CARE International first arrived in Madagascar in 1992 to reduce poverty. One of its key programs focuses on the right to health. This program aims to enable 50 million people to exercise their right to health and dignity by 2030. It emphasizes building equitable and resilient health care systems that can resist and respond to shocks and crises.
CARE International takes an equity and rights-based approach to advancing health systems by collaborating with community groups, leaders and health authorities. It emphasizes supporting marginalized groups, increasing access to quality health care in Madagascar and being prepared to respond to public health emergencies.
CARE International also promotes vaccinations with its Fast and Fair Vaccine campaign. It has successfully vaccinated 126 million people while informing 263 million people about accurate vaccination information.
Conclusion
Madagascar’s health care system still faces significant challenges in achieving affordable and effective medical services, yet the efforts of these five organizations could one day enable health care in Madagascar to provide accessible and high-quality medical care to all its citizens.
– Gabrielle Schwartz
Photo: Flickr
Comoros HIV Prevention
Challenges in PMTCT Implementation
HIV is deadly, killing 50% of infected children before their second birthday if they do not receive treatment. PMTCT is crucial, as it accounted for 90% of child HIV infections in 2018. Unfortunately, in lower-income countries, mother-and-child services and PMTCT programs often face staffing and resource shortages, making it challenging for countries and organizations to implement these programs on a large scale.
Global guidance, including WHO’s Strategic Direction 4, mandates that policies and programs ensure services are culturally appropriate and responsive to community needs, addressing stigma, discrimination and social and structural barriers. Institutions such as UNICEF are working toward eradicating AIDS by 2030, in partnership with the Global Alliance to End AIDS among children and adolescents and the UNAIDS Joint program. These organizations’ goals focus on widespread HIV testing and treatment to combat the epidemic.
Global Efforts and Local Success in Comoros
In Comoros, continued efforts from PMTCT programs have reduced HIV prevalence to just 0.03% among expectant mothers. The Ministry of Health implemented a national policy that mandates training health workers and raising awareness among pregnant women during prenatal consultations. This approach has yielded impressive results: no HIV-positive mothers have given birth to HIV-positive children and all HIV-positive pregnant women received ARV treatment by 2021.
Comoros’ PMTCT Achievements and Future Goals
The PMTCT program in Comoros has achieved remarkable success, partly due to international assistance. In 2020, UNICEF supplied health facilities with critical equipment and supplies, including reagents for HIV testing, essential for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. This support plays a crucial role in the Ministry of Health’s strategy, focusing on testing and training.
While Comoros has made significant progress, its mission continues. The Health Ministry has launched an ambitious strategy for 2025 aimed at eradicating new HIV infections in infants born to HIV-positive mothers, ensuring that three-quarters of pregnant women know their HIV status and reducing new infections by 75% from 2020 levels.
Looking Ahead
Comoros is poised to continue its successful implementation of the PMTCT program, aiming to eliminate new HIV infections among newborns. With international support and effective local strategies, the nation expects to significantly reduce transmission rates. The Ministry of Health’s proactive measures in training and equipping health care providers could further strengthen the program’s effectiveness. By 2025, Comoros aims to have the majority of pregnant women aware of their HIV status, a critical step in prevention efforts. These concerted efforts are vital for sustaining progress and achieving the goal of eradicating AIDS in children and adolescents within the nation.
– Rachael Denton-Snape
Photo: Unsplash
The Impact of Reducing Child Poverty in Angola
Education
Currently, 33% of children in Angola are illiterate and only 30% progress to upper secondary school. Additionally, more than a quarter of households in Angola have children who aren’t enrolled in school. This is mainly due to a lack of education, closely tied to intergenerational poverty traps. Education for girls is particularly at risk, with 30% of women aged 20-24 having been married or in a union before the age of 18. If poverty and hardship were not defining issues for these children, they could experience the normalcy of education and childhood.
Fortunately, there have already been significant improvements in education in Angola. The Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has recognized multiple efforts being made to get more children into education. For example, the National Action Plan 2013-2020 was entitled “Education for All.” Additionally, the gross enrolment rate of children attending nursery, primary and secondary school increased to 97.5% in 2016.
Investment in the quality of teaching has led to more young people attending school – often due to the hard work of organizations such as SOS Children’s Villages. It works toward making education accessible to everyone. It has funded school fees, uniforms, learning materials and tutoring. Due to SOS Children’s Villages’ diligence and hard work, the project has enabled more than 1390 children in Angola to learn at its kindergartens and schools.
Health
Angola has suffered from an influx of droughts, flooding and diseases such as malaria, where medical treatment is sparse. Families in rural areas have found themselves struggling with rising food prices, leading to issues such as undernutrition being responsible for 45% of child deaths. A lack of access to water and sanitation has become a crucial issue for children’s health. However, when child poverty is dealt with, nutritious food will prevent the high rate of stunted children aged less than 5.
In response, Angola implemented a National Health Development Plan from 2012 to 2015, with one of its key objectives being to reduce maternal, infant and child mortality and morbidity rates. However, several challenges have arisen since the plan’s announcement. Malaria remains the leading cause of death in the country, responsible for more than 10,400 deaths in 2020. Additionally, the decline in oil growth in 2014 has led to decreased public spending in the health sector.
Despite these challenges, life expectancy in Angola is expected to increase from 61 years in 2023 to 68 years by 2050. Between 2018 and 2022, the health care workforce significantly increased and in 2020, Angola began offering specialty training courses for doctors in five provinces. By 2023, the program had expanded to include 2,500 medical doctors across 17 regions. The Minister of Health has also nominated a Task Force to oversee postgraduate training for health professionals.
SOS Children’s Villages is also actively working to ensure that social and health care facilities are accessible. Its efforts have enabled 450 families in Angola to stay together, providing crucial support and assistance.
Labor
Approximately 30% of Angolans live below the poverty line and widespread unemployment often leads to children becoming breadwinners for their households. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated a four-year recession in Angola, significantly impacting many families financially. Children aged 0-14 are particularly affected and live on less than $2.15 a day. Currently, three-quarters of children in Angola are living in poverty. Additionally, a staggering 19% of them work to support their families.
However, tackling extreme child poverty means that the number of children in the workforce within industries such as mining, construction and agricultural sectors will lessen and child trafficking will dissipate. Positive efforts have been made in this regard. Law no.3/14 criminalizes the exploitation of children for sexual purposes and prostitution.
Furthermore, in 2022, the Angolan government funded and participated in programs to prevent child labor. These initiatives include Social Protection Programs, Mobile Schools and Free School Meals for Children. Specifically, these programs target children in Southern Angola who are at high risk of being engaged in child labor.
– Xantippe Steele
Photo: Flickr
Montenegro’s Mental Health
Montenegro is a Balkan country in Southeastern Europe, bordering Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Serbia. It is situated between the Dinaric Alps and the Adriatic Sea, making it an established tourist destination. Despite its popularity as a place of vacation and relaxation, Montenegro’s socioeconomic difficulties have had an inherent impact on the mental well-being of its citizens.
The Balkan War and Montenegro’s Mental Health
The Balkan War is still fresh in the minds of Montenegrins. For a decade, between 1991 and 2001, this violent ethnic conflict presided over the Balkan region and eventually culminated in a split from the former Yugoslavia in 2006. This bloody warfare, only recently resolved, left a legacy of trauma. Politically, Montenegro became a stable, peaceful democracy. However, the brutal civil war and Montenegro’s subsequent sovereignty had a significant impact on the economic development of the country, with its gross domestic product (GDP) falling from 45% in its Yugoslav era (1989) to 12% in 2000.
Historically, Montenegro’s psychological support has centered around patients whose serious disorders have symptoms of aggressive behavior, admitting them to Danilovgrad (Montenegro’s first psychiatric hospital, founded in the 20th century). The remaining nonviolent patients were left to “roam the streets.” A notable milestone in efforts to support community psychiatry and deinstitutionalize mental health facilities began in the early ’90s, with “Centers for Mental Health” inaugurated in 1991. Official mental health policies were implemented as late as 2004.
Mind and Money
Montenegro is ranked as one of the poorest countries in Europe, with a 2022 United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) study declaring that “at least one-third of Montenegro’s children are at risk of poverty.” Economic welfare concentrates in urban and coastal regions, while much of the country struggles under economic pressures with little access to welfare support. A 2019 study showed only 44% of citizens living below Montenegro’s poverty line have access to welfare funds.
The impact of Montenegro’s conservative milieu on mental well-being is accentuated through the knowledge that 78% of those asked reported a complete absence of community mental health campaigns, while 97.2% thought support infrastructures would be a beneficial addition to their locality. This, in conjunction with a recognition of Montenegro’s conservative society that is “deeply ingrained in patriarchy,” provides context for the psychological pressures of its citizens.
Suicide rates in Montenegro can be correlated directly with insufficient support infrastructures and economic pressures. “The average crude suicide rate was 21.06 ‘for males 29.93 and for females 12.42,” with lethal suicide statistics correlating significantly with unemployment rates. In 2018, the rate of fatal suicide in the male population reached 4.29. In addition, Montenegro is recognized as having the highest number of “weekly hours worked [in Europe] at 42.8,” while the average European employee in 2022 worked just 36.2 hours a week.
These figures can be attributed to cultural roles, with men facing more pressures on having to financially contribute to households: an indisputable correlation between poverty and mental stability.
The EU4 Health Program
In January of 2024, the Montenegrin Health authorizations and the wider European health community established an agreement: the EU4Health program. This agreement allows both public and private sector health care entities access to funding and grant opportunities, increasing the accessibility and quality of support across the country. However, despite recent advancements in infrastructure and support, these goals are still recognized as only “partly realized,” with many of its objectives still awaiting accomplishment.
Open Mind
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are working towards the political and social representation of mental health issues in Montenegro. The Open Mind project, co-funded by European Union’s (EU) grants, advocates for the inclusion of mental illness in political agendas, public debates and social sectors. Promoting dialogue for the social reintegration of those with mental health issues combats cultural stigmas.
The campaign aims to sensitize 5,000 individuals, conduct 10 awareness campaigns, train 20 CSOs and establish support groups in multiple communities. This project is one of 20 NGOs working to improve the lives of this target group and represents an optimistic future for Montenegrins suffering from mental health issues.
A Brighter Future
Recent governmental efforts to improve public health care in Montenegro represent a pivotal ideological shift, with Montenegrin citizens forecasted to witness “substantial improvements in their health care services.” Reflecting on the dualism between public mental health and the economy, an optimistic future is evident in Montenegro’s strong economic growth, estimated at 6% in 2023.
Traditionally, policy has neglected the implications of socioeconomic burdens on Montenegrin inhabitants. However, recent years have seen evident improvements in support infrastructures available for relieving the Montenegrin public mental health concerns. The inherent implications of mental health issues on social cohesion make the promotion of these efforts a priority.
– Thea Carter
Photo: Flickr
Clean Water Water Accessibility in Gabon
Water Access Disparity and Infrastructure Development
Urbanization in Gabon, driven by superior infrastructure and facilities, manifests starkly in Libreville where more than 97% of residents have access to clean water. In contrast, less than 55% of the rural population enjoys similar access. Despite its wealth in water resources, with seven rivers and a potential annual water resource of 170 billion cubic meters, Gabon struggles with water accessibility. The per capita annual water resource stands at a high of 127,825 cubic meters. The core issue lies in inadequate water treatment infrastructure, which fails to distribute these abundant resources effectively to the Gabonese people.
The Role of the African Development Bank
In 2018, the African Development Bank allocated UA 96.95 million to tackle Gabon’s water issues, leading to the 2019 launch of the Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Program. Now nearing completion, the program has refurbished the water networks and the hydraulic equipment and booster station at the SOTEGA water tower in Libreville. It also upgraded the Nzeng-Bourg water tower. New water towers in Ntoum and Bikele, along with 39 drinking fountains, mark further progress. Additionally, the installation of new water pipes and a new pumping station has improved water access in the cities of Nzeng-Ayong, Montalier, Ondogo, Alibadeng, Haut de Gue Gue and Bas de Gue Gue.
Economic and Social Impact
The Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Program has significantly enhanced water accessibility in the cities of the Estuaire province, including Libreville, encouraging migration from the overcrowded capital to nearby cities. Set for completion by June 30, 2024, the program has already expanded water access to more than 20,000 residents. Improved water access in these cities is expected to attract investors, potentially spurring job creation and offering residents opportunities to break free from the cycle of poverty. This initiative not only aims to improve living conditions but also to foster economic development through enhanced water resource management, aligning with global efforts to ensure sustainable access to clean water for all.
Looking Ahead
Gabon is poised to make significant strides in bridging the water accessibility gap between urban and rural areas. With continued investments and the successful implementation of infrastructure projects, more communities could gain reliable access to clean water. This advancement could catalyze socioeconomic development, creating new employment opportunities and improved public health. Moreover, as the country moves toward more equitable water distribution, the potential for economic growth and poverty reduction increases. These ongoing efforts underscore Gabon’s commitment to sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for all its citizens.
– Hafsa Dijoo
Photo: Unsplash
The Intersection of Poverty and Mental Health in South Korea
The Context of Mental Health in South Korea
South Korea has one of the highest rates of suicide among developed countries, with 26 deaths per 100,000 population. This devastating statistic stands in contrast to the global downward trend as South Korea’s suicide rate nearly doubled over the past 20 years, becoming the sixth leading cause of death in 2022. This crisis is exacerbated by intense societal pressures such as academic and workplace demands, with what is referred to as examination hell, in which breakdowns and suicides become frequent with students during exams where failure would lead to economic and social hardships. Moreover, South Korean culture often frowns upon seeking help for mental illness, with reports stating that only seven percent of those affected by poor mental health seek therapy or psychiatric help. Furthermore, those who do attend therapy, often pay out-of-pocket in cash to avoid any effect on their insurance.
Many South Koreans follow Confucianism, a philosophy grounded in honoring your ancestry, leading many South Koreans to forgo mental health treatment to preserve their family’s ‘dignity’. Furthermore, this philosophy emphasizes individual will, spiritual strength and self-discipline, suggesting that mental health should be tolerated rather than cured. These factors create a challenging environment for addressing mental illness, particularly for the economically disadvantaged who face amplified societal pressures and cultural stigma as well as the financial burden that places them at the forefront of examination hell.
Poverty in South Korea
Despite its remarkable economic growth, South Korea grapples with a significant poverty rate of 14.9% as of 2022, a number that is relatively high by global standards. Furthermore, this poverty rate is particularly evident among certain demographics such as the elderly and single-parent households, with 40% of Koreans above 66 years old living below the poverty line, the highest elderly income poverty rate among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations.
According to Kang So-Yoon, a volunteer at a Buddhist temple in Seoul who gives out free lunches, “the economy is in bad shape and older people are struggling to find work,” and, “many elderly people were unable to put aside savings for later in life because they spent too much on their children’s education.” There is a societal expectation that children will support their parents in old age. However, due to social competition and income inequality, many are struggling financially, making it harder to help their parents financially.
Poverty as a Determinant of Mental Illness
The intersection of poverty and mental health creates a complex and reinforcing cycle in South Korea. Financial instability and the daily struggle to meet basic needs such as food and shelter drive individuals living in poverty to experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety and depression. A BMC Public Health study identified low income, unemployment and financial difficulties as risk factors for all suicidal behaviors. Furthermore, socioeconomic disparities often result in reduced access to mental health services, further entrenching the cycle of poverty and mental illness.
The stigma associated with mental health issues through deeply rooted cultural and societal norms compounds these socioeconomic challenges. Individuals in poverty face a dual burden which may discourage many from seeking psychiatric help for fear of societal ostracization. Addressing this intersection requires a multifaceted approach including more access to mental health care, reduction of stigma and implementing policies to provide financial support.
Government Policies and Initiatives
As of December 2023, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, vowed that the government will begin proactively addressing mental health issues through the Mental Health Policy Innovation Plan calls for the state to actively manage the entire cycle of mental illness, from prevention to recovery. Under this plan, a total of one million people are expected to receive psychological counseling funded with government support by 2027. Furthermore, the government will increase national mental health checkups for young people aged 20-34 from every 10 years to every two years, aiming for early intervention of mental health risks. Through this policy, the South Korean government aims to reduce the suicide rate by 50% by 2033.
Grassroots Initiatives and NGOs
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) also play a crucial role in addressing mental health challenges in South Korea. The Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare supports the Korea Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an NGO dedicated to educating policy establishment, analyzing causes of suicide and improving awareness while managing high-risk groups and bereaved families. In doing so, the Korea Foundation for Suicide Prevention aims to systematically implement suicide prevention, working alongside the government’s plan to halve the suicide rate within 10 years.
Looking Ahead
South Korea’s commitment to addressing the intertwined challenges of mental health and poverty promises to transform countless lives through comprehensive policies and robust support systems. As the government and NGOs actively collaborate to break the stigma and provide accessible mental health services, they renew hope for reducing disparities and enhancing societal well-being. These ongoing initiatives aim to destigmatize mental health care and integrate it into the fabric of community support, ensuring no one is left behind in South Korea’s journey toward greater social equity.
– Emily Weir
Photo: Flickr